Local Latin Jazz Lineup

Opportunities to hear some wonderful live Latin music are popping up in the area this month, and also at the Earshot Jazz Festival in October and November. Here’s a starter list, more will follow in the coming weeks:

La Familia Valera Miranda

The Cuban septet La Familia Valera Miranda will appear at Seattle’s Earshot Jazz Festival Saturday, October 5 at Town Hall. They’re the embodiment of the Cuban musical style called son, and this group comes from two long lines of master musicians.

Starting tonight at 6:30, Enrique Valera, director of La Familia Valera Miranda, will be teaching a series of 4 classes on traditional Cuban music at Dusty Strings Music School in Fremont. This is a great chance to learn more about the music and its roots.

Carlos Cascante y su Tumbao play their delightful mix of Latin dance and jazz at Bake’s Place in Bellevue this Friday. Here’s a selection from their KPLU Studio Session from May 30:

Dani and Debora Gurgel Quarteto appear at the Royal Room in Seattle, Wednesday Sept. 11. Mother and daughter have collaborated musically for years, and their combination of voice and piano is intricate and pleasing. This is their first outing in a quartet format, celebrating the October release of the CD UM (one).

Listen for local and international Latin jazz on Jazz Caliente, Thursdays at 2 p.m. on KPLU’s Midday Jazz!